Mapping Flood Susceptibility and Risk in the Ganges Tidal Floodplain Utilizing a Weighted Factor Analysis Model

The Ganges tidal floodplain is predominantly located in the deltaic region of South Asia, spanning across parts of Bangladesh and India. This expansive floodplain takes shape due to the convergence of multiple significant rivers, which include the Padma, the Jamuna, and the Meghna in Bangladesh. The Ganges tidal floodplain is a dynamic and ecologically rich area known for its susceptibility to tidal flooding and its significance in terms of agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity. This chapter will highlight the application of a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach combined with a Weighted Factor Analysis (WFA) model to assess flood susceptibility and risk in the Ganges tidal floodplain. Weighted Factor Analysis Model (WFAM), which is a valuable tool in geospatial technique for assessing flood susceptibility, is then combined with population and building density, vegetation index, and bare land index to determine flood risk in the Ganges tidal floodplain. This method involves assigning weights to various factors that influence flood susceptibility based on their relative importance and then combining these weighted factors to create a comprehensive susceptibility index. It offers geospatial visualizations of susceptibility to hazards and associated risks, which have now become indispensable in land use management and planning. Leveraging the information provided can guide future planning and management approaches, effectively reducing the risks linked to flooding.